Jerusalem: characters

Johnny ‘Rooster’ Byron

Character Traits: Rooster’s character is portrayed as an outlaw, bohemian and anti-hero. He embodies freedom, rebellion, and a unique kind of wisdom that defies societal norms.

Role in the Plot: As the protagonist, Rooster is central to the events in the play. He stands in defiance of the Council’s orders and against societal expectations. His actions, decisions, and interactions drive the plot forward.

Character Development: Over the course of the play, Rooster’s initial aura of charm and audacity is gradually stripped away to reveal a pitiful and isolated man by the end.

Ginger

Character Traits: Ginger is characterised as an unsuccessful DJ with big dreams and little action. He is steadfast and loyal to Rooster, but his ineffectual nature is often subject for ridicule.

Role in the Plot: Ginger is a key part of Rooster’s entourage, and his interactions with Rooster reveal much about their relationship dynamics. His inability to leave his comfort zone, like Rooster, adds context to the plot.

Character Development: Ginger initially comes across as a figure of fun but reveals deeper dimensions of his character such as aspiration and loyalty as the story progresses.

Phaedra

Character Traits: Phaedra is represented as a naïve teenager, whose fascination with the annual fair and Rooster points to her desire for escape.

Role in the Plot: Phaedra’s appearance triggers the events that lead to Rooster’s eviction. Her disappearance and reappearance provide major turning points in the narrative.

Character Development: Phaedra transitions from innocent fascination with the idea of Rooster to a strikingly sorrowful figure depicting the harsh reality of her life.

The Council Official

Character Traits: The Council official represents bureaucracy and conformity. He is shown to be self-righteous and unmoved by the charm of Rooster’s world.

Role in the Plot: The Council official catalyses the conflict by issuing an eviction notice. He embodies the authority of mainstream society trying to regulate the usage of public spaces.

Character Development: While the Council official’s character remains largely static, his interactions with Rooster highlight the widening gap between social norms and individualistic lifestyles.

Professor

Character Traits: The Professor, despite his age, is depicted as an innocent and dependent character. He is distinguished from other characters by his old age and simplicity.

Role in the Plot: His loyalty towards Rooster and final act of setting Rooster’s caravan on fire is significant in the narrative.

Character Development: Amidst the rough and tough characters, the Professor’s fragility stands out. He elicits empathy throughout, and his growth is evident when he takes a prominent role in Rooster’s final act of rebellion.